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Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Victim and Survivor Advisory Panel

The Office of the Victims Commissioner (OVC) is the host of the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) Victim and Survivor Advisory Panel.

This is a new and structured way for adult victims and survivors to meaningfully contribute to CSAE policy development across government in a way that promotes their safety and humanity. This project is supported by up to £1 million of Home Office funding.

We recognise that no single group or individual can reflect every experience of child sexual abuse and exploitation. The Advisory Panel will consist of a core group of members and be supported by wider routes for engagement mechanisms, ensuring that a broad range of victims and survivors can inform its work.

Victims and survivors have been clear that they want to be listened to, not spoken for. This independent Panel is an opportunity to do things differently, moving beyond tokenistic engagement to give survivors a meaningful role in shaping the policies, practices and services that affect them.

I am proud that my Office will host this Panel. It will be built on independence, trust, transparency, and proper support, so that members can contribute with confidence, knowing their voices will influence change. Real reform means not just listening but acting.

If you are an adult survivor of child sexual abuse and exploitation and feel able to do so, I encourage you to consider applying. Your experiences, insights and expertise are vital to helping deliver a better response for victims and survivors.
Claire Waxman
Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales
Watch Claire Waxman OBE, Victims’ Commissioner, launch the new Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Victim and Survivor Advisory Group

How to apply

A trauma-informed process for expressing interest in becoming a Panel member will open shortly. This webpage will be updated with the details.

If you are interested in supporting the Advisory Panel, we are recruiting for two full-time roles within the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner:

Further information and updates

New advisory panel to ensure survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation have a stronger voice in government decision-making

Adult victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) will have a stronger voice in government decision-making through a new advisory panel to be hosted by the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.

Published on October 26, 2026

Read full article

We recognise that transparency and trustworthiness is essential for victims and survivors to be able to build a sense of safety. As the work grows, this page will continue to be updated with the latest information.

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